Who would have thought that frozen hash browns in the air fryer were so good?! I've been experimenting a lot with mine since getting it not too long ago and these crispy air fryer hash browns are to die for.
Crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside and who isn't a fan of a quick breakfast?
My son is so happy that I discovered how to make these hash browns, because if I ever let the kids have breakfast from McDonalds he always has to have about 3 of them!
He loves theirs so much. I'm therefore happy that I've found a way to satisfy his love for them with something healthier cooked at home.
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You should also try my Air Fryer Biscuits, for more air fryer recipes on this site, and pairs well with this amazing Cheese Grits dish. In fact, any breakfast item goes well with hash browns! I think I need to try some air fryer bacon....
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
This ingredients list was easy to make. Literally we're looking at as many frozen hash browns as you can fit in your basket, without crowding, in a single layer.
- Frozen Hash Brown Patties
- Cooking Spray for basket (canola oil, avocado oil or vegetable oil is fine)
- Salt
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Add frozen hash browns to your preheated air fryer basket in an even layer.
- Step 2: Cook - flipping at the halfway point if your air fryer calls for it until golden brown.
- Step 3: Remove, season with salt and serve immediately.
Hint: I like to sprinkle with salt immediately in the air fryer tray as the cooking time is finished because they still have a slight moistness to them from cooking. This way, when the salt is sprinkled it sticks to the hash browns better!
Try spraying them with a little cooking spray too, for some extra crispy hash browns.
Check out my Crispy Instant Pot Potatoes for another great potato side dish! Or my Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites for a great way to use leftovers!
These hash browns are also great served with a southern white gravy.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- I tried cooking the shredded hash browns in the air fryer and it does not work. For me it didn't anyway.
I find that the forced air circulation has some of the shredded potatoes flying around inside. Plus, the way an air fryer works is it needs room to circulate so you can't fill the basket too much.
- If you are making homemade hash browns, I definitely recommend soaking them first and using a binding agent to help keep the patties together.
This will work... but who has time for that, lol! - Try sprinkling the hash browns with a little onion powder or garlic powder before cooking, for a little more flavor profile.
Shredded vs. Patties: Which Works Best in the Air Fryer?
I mentioned it above, but it's worth explaining why. Frozen hash brown patties are perfect for the air fryer because they're already formed and hold their shape while that hot air circulates around them.
Shredded frozen hash browns are a different story. Since they're loose, that same forced air circulation that makes patties crispy will send shredded potato flying around your basket instead of cooking evenly.
If you really want to try shredded in the air fryer anyway, your best shot is pressing them into a thin, even layer in a lightly oiled air fryer-safe pan or dish (not loose in the basket), so the shreds have something to hold onto while they crisp. It won't be quite as hands-off as the patties, but it'll keep potato from flying everywhere.
For a truly hands-off breakfast, though, I'm sticking with patties every time.
Necessary gear: Equipment
I like the Vortex Air Fryer by Instant (they make the Instant Pot). If you don't already have an air fryer I would definitely recommend this one.
The basket is really simple to clean in between uses and the selection panel is easy to understand.
If you like a bigger air fryer, than the basket type, you can look into the versions that have the racks. The one I have at home is the Emeril Lagasse version, which I can fully recommend.
I have had no problems with it and it can cook much more quantities than the basket type. It even has a rotisserie for cooking chickens and small turkeys.
Other great air fryer recipes I think you'll love
You should also try this Old Fashioned Southern Biscuits recipe a try too. They pair great with some hash browns.
Mel's kitchen notes
To heat any leftovers back up again, for best results place them back into the air fryer for 4-5 more minutes. They'll crisp up and be just as good as when you cooked them fresh. I love using my air fryer to reheat most foods, but anything like fries, hash browns, pizza is perfect reheated in this way.
FAQs
Nope! Straight from frozen into the air fryer is exactly how this recipe is meant to work. Thawing first can actually make them soggy instead of crispy.
A light spray of cooking oil on the basket before you add the patties takes care of sticking. If they're falling through, your basket may have wider gaps than the patty size - try a perforated parchment liner or an air fryer-safe tray insert instead of the bare basket.
I don't recommend it. Air fryers need room for air to circulate around each patty, so stacking or overcrowding will leave you with unevenly cooked, soggy spots. Cook in batches instead if you're feeding a crowd.
If you've tried these Air Fryer Hash Browns or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!
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Air Fryer Hash Browns
ANNOUNCEMENT
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 Each Frozen Hash Brown Patties
- Canola Oil Cooking Spray
- ½ teaspoons Salt
Instructions
- Turn on air fryer and input settings, to 390°F for a time of 9 minutes. Allow it to heat up.
- Have the hash brown patties ready for when the air fryer tells you it's ready.
- Spray the basket lightly with cooking oil then add the hash browns allowing enough air to circulate all around.Canola Oil Cooking Spray, 5 Each Frozen Hash Brown Patties
- Cook for 9 minutes, turning half way.
- Remove, season with salt and serve immediately.½ teaspoons Salt
Storage Instructions
If you have any hash browns left (it never happens in my house) - pop them into an airtight container in the refrigerator, with a piece of paper towel to help with moisture. They will be good for up to 4 days.Notes
Nutrition
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Originally published: July 07, 2021
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